Impact Gala 2025
Newcomers Program
Financial Literacy Workshop
Impact Report
Ubuntu Legacy
Report on Systemic Barriers to Legal Access
Letter From Executive Director
Fellow Community Members,
The Federation of Black Canadians (FBC) continues to expand its national footprint through meaningful partnerships, impactful programs, and transformative events. From empowering newcomers to uplifting youth and celebrating community excellence at the Impact Gala, this quarter has been a testament to the power of collaboration. None of this work would be possible without our members, partners, and supporters. Together, we are driving equity, empowerment, and belonging across Canada.
In solidarity,
Chris Thompson
Executive Director,
Federation of Black Canadians
Impact Gala Celebrates Black Excellence!
On September 27, 2025, the Federation of Black Canadians and Skills for Life hosted the Third Annual Impact Gala at Dreams Convention Centre in Brampton, a night defined by excellence, unity, and inspiration. Guests enjoyed live music by violinist Alador, fine dining, and heartfelt reflections from community leaders. Together, attendees helped raise $36,000 for Black Youth Programs, supporting mentorship and employment opportunities nationwide.
Award Recipients 2025:
- Young Black Entrepreneur Award – Presented by Abimbola: Nanette Sene
- Community Impact Award – Presented by Barry & Laure Green Family Trust: Attah Salifu
- Exceptional Allyship Award – Presented by Mansha Plan: Brian Sankarsingh
- Community Health Award – Presented by Black Health Professionals Network & Black Creek Community Health Centre: Elijah Gyansa
- Black Builder Award – Presented by Black Founders Network: Adebayo Chris Katiiti
- Excellence in Justice Advocacy Award – Presented by Eubanks Shinehoft LLP: Nneka Ezurike
- Promising Athlete Award – Presented by Khem Birch Foundation: Andrew Morin
- Excellent Student Award – Presented by FBC: Leonaes Brahel
- Black Business Leader Award – Presented by Nobellum: Celeste Saddler
- Outstanding Mentor Award – Presented by Skills for Life: Ala’a Adib
The gala also celebrated important leadership transitions within both organizations. Robert Tyndale, outgoing Chair of FBC, proudly handed over leadership to Jose Wilson and Ziadanne Goodman, who will serve as Chair and Vice Chair.
Awards Sponsors
Newcomers Program Supports 50+ Black Newcomers!
FBC continues to invest in newcomer success through the Newcomers and NEET Program 2025, supporting Black youth,especially those new to Canada in overcoming barriers to employment and education.
We’ve partnered with Oasis Lending Group and Crown Mentorship Foundation to help run cohorts in Ontario and Alberta. This is part of a two-year project connecting recent Black Newcomers with the support they need to succeed in Canada. The Alberta program offers workshops, individualized mentorship, and skill-building sessions that empower participants to reach their full potential. Participants leave the program equipped with the confidence, tools, and community connections needed to succeed while gaining long-term access to CMF’s extensive professional network.
In partnership with Morningstar Canada and its Black, Caribbean, and African (BCA) Employee Resource Group, FBC hosted a two-day Financial Literacy Workshop Series in July. The event gathered youth aged 18–30 for engaging sessions on budgeting, saving, investing, and managing debt facilitated by financial leaders such as Scott Mackenzie (CEO & President, Morningstar Canada) and Ian Tam, CFA. The inclusive environment encouraged open dialogue and practical learning, while Chef Hassan’s Kitchen, a Black Builders Network member, provided delicious catering that celebrated Black entrepreneurship. This collaboration marks the start of an ongoing partnership dedicated to advancing financial literacy and long-term wealth building in Black communities nationwide.
Impact Report
This quarter, FBC released its 2025 Impact Report, capturing a year of transformative progress across education, entrepreneurship, and community engagement. The report highlights how programs like Black Builders, Newcomers and NEET program, the Youth Employment Skills Program, Support for Student Learning Program and Black Entrepreneurship Program have strengthened access to opportunity and leadership development. Through data-driven transparency, the report demonstrates measurable gains in economic inclusion and youth employment. It also outlines ambitious goals for 2026, including expanding regional hubs and deepening partnerships that advance systemic equity for Black Canadians. Some highlights include:
Ubuntu Legacy
Rooted in the African philosophy of Ubuntu—“I am because we are”—the Ubuntu Legacy Intergenerational Program brings together Black youth and elders through mentorship, storytelling, and cultural exchange. Supported with fiscal sponsorship from the Federation of Black Canadians, the program engaged more than 150 participants and achieved tangible results: 92 percent reported a stronger sense of belonging and 87 percent gained valuable intergenerational knowledge. Its sustainability plan ensures workshops continue beyond the initial grant, making it a replicable model for other provinces. This initiative underscores FBC’s commitment to uplifting grassroots leadership and fostering unity across generations.
Report on Systemic Barriers to Legal Access
On September 5, 2025, FBC supported by the Law Foundation of Ontario released Systemic Barriers to Legal Access, a landmark report documenting the inequities faced by Black Canadians in the justice system. Based on focus groups and surveys involving over 100participants, the findings reveal how race, gender, and socioeconomic factors intersect to limit access to fair legal support. “Systemic barriers are real, pervasive, and deeply intersectional,” said Debra Olaniyi, Manager of Programs and Services. The report provides actionable recommendations for policymakers and advocates to strengthen community-based justice initiatives and promote equity nationwide.
Youth Employment Skills Program
This fall marked the exciting launch of the Youth Employment Skills Program (YESS) in British Columbia, empowering Black youth, newcomers, and NEET individuals through practical training and employment experience. The program features a nine-week paid training period followed by a six-week work placement, emphasizing communication, digital skills, financial literacy, and professional growth. With expansions planned in Brampton, Ottawa, Saskatoon, Edmonton, Calgary, and Vancouver, YESS continues to create equitable pathways to employment, mentorship, and economic empowerment for youth across Canada.
To learn more, visit: https://fbcfcn.ca/youth-employment-skills-program/
Giving Tuesday is Fast Approaching
A little goes a long way.
“If each of our 8,000 supporters gave just $5, we could raise over $40,000 a month — nearly half a million dollars a year.”
Did you know the the Black Youth unemployment rate is one of the highest among racialized youth, sitting at 23.5% compared to 12% for non racialized youth. Our goal is to raise $10,000 this Giving Tuesday to go 100% towards a bursary fund to support Black youth in pursuing their education!
We’re asking every supporter to join the challenge and raise funds “For the Price of a Coffee.”
If everyone in our network of over 8,000 people donated just $5, we could raise $40,000 a month — nearly half a million a year. Together, small contributions create massive change.
This year, our campaign will feature fundraising teams — including volunteers, corporate partners, and board members — money for Black Youth.
We’ll have exclusive prizes for top fundraisers, shout outs on our socials and more!
According to a 2025 statcan report*
Get Involved with FBC
Become a Member of the Federation of Black Canadians
Your membership strengthens our national voice. By joining the Federation of Black Canadians, you directly contribute to programs that empower communities, influence policy, and open doors for the next generation. Members get updates, invitations to national events, and opportunities to shape the future of Black leadership in Canada. Together, we can build a country grounded in equity, opportunity, and justice.
This quarter reaffirmed the power of collaboration, representation, and resilience within our communities. Each initiative, partnership, and event showcased FBC’s unwavering dedication to equity and empowerment. As we look ahead to the next quarter, we remain committed to amplifying Black voices, investing in youth, and advancing systemic change. Together, we are building a future where every Black Canadian has the opportunity to thrive. Stay connected with us and don’t forget to follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook @fbcfcn.
Volunteer With Us
Volunteers are a crucial aspect to the strength and success of the Federation and we provide a variety of ways to get involved. You can learn more here.
Become a General Member
General members of FBC will receive regular communications and access to contact lists for other African Canadian organizations across Canada. You can sign up to become a member here.
Become a Paid Member
Paid members of FBC receive invitations to our Annual General Meeting and receive voting rights at our meetings. You can become a paid member here.
Invest In Us
By supporting FBC, you can have a positive impact on our ability to keep much-needed programs (such as BEP and SSLP) accessible for the Black community. Find out more.